Category Archives: Blog

We live in a day and age where recycling, up-cycling, and going green are common. With everything from second-hand clothing stores to electric cars, people are finding inventive ways to save energy, not to mention money. We have been seeing this idea of sustainability creep into our homes more and more throughout the last decade, and now the government is offering tax credits for making the upgrades to a more energy-efficient homestead. Continue reading →

Buying and owning a home is not only an important step in life, it’s an area rich with benefits when it comes to filing an annual tax return. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service reminds tax filers not to forget or overlook the many tax credits and deductions that relate to home ownership. Continue reading →

It’s always a pleasant surprise to get a big chunk of money back on your tax return. How should you spend that money, though? Instead of hitting the mall, where you’ll most likely make an impulse purchase, put that money in a place worth spending. Here’s how to spend your tax refund on home improvements Continue reading →

When we think of landscaping for the front of a house
or a backyard, we usually think of a flat terrain to
decorate with various plants, trees, shrubs and rocks.
But what should you do when the terrain isn’t so flat?
Some out- of-the-box thinking may be required when
creating curb appeal for a sloped yard. It’s important
to know the area, acquire knowledge from credible
sources and put your thinking cap on.

When it comes to renovation, it’s smart to focus on improving the home’s most-used rooms, not only for increased functionality and enjoyment, but also to boost the resale value. Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms top the list of rooms homeowners would most like to remodel, according to a recent Ranker.com survey. To better the most-used areas of your home, including those cited in the survey, consider the following: Continue reading →

While many people are quick to make a fuss over which accent piece will make their living room pop or which paint color might brighten their kitchen, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as cleaning products. The fact of the matter is, a number of go-to cleaning products can be doing more bad than good. If you think your only option is to purchase overpriced, natural cleaning products, think again. Some of the most effective cleaning products can be made at home using only a handful of ingredients. Continue reading →

Do you ever find yourself going back and forth about whether or no to sell your home? As you contemplate your decision, there are many factors to consider, including the current state of the real estate market as well as your lifestyle and financial situation. Continue reading →

With the fall college semester right around the corner, many parents may soon become empty nesters. While children leaving the home can be bittersweet, it also presents an opportunity for parents to reclaim space in their home. Continue reading →

Nothing compares to the feeling of safety. An unknown author once brilliantly wrote, “Safety doesn’t happen by accident.” If we are purposely pursuing a safe home for our family, what are some of the things that should be in place? We have gathered 5 safety features that every home should have for your consideration. Continue reading →

Whether you’re looking to make a first-time
purchase, refresh an existing home or simply
leverage built-up equity for other reasons, it’s
important to figure out which path is right for you
and understand the lending options available. Continue reading →

With the winter season beginning, when the kids are fully immersed in scholastics and you’re busy in the swing of things, it’s a good time to review your home insurance coverage. As your life changes, so do your insurance needs, so take the time to ask yourself the following: Continue reading →

Buying your first home may seem like a scary process, but it’s also a fulfilling learning experience and a big step towards financial security. There’s no right way to begin the home buying process, but the lending process is a good start. Consulting with lenders first will help you narrow down your budget, understand your credit, purchasing power, and specify what homes you can afford before getting in over your head. Continue reading →

You’ve made the decision to move from one home to another. Exciting, isn’t it? While you peruse the internet and drive around taking in the sights of several new-home hopefuls, have you considered the immediate location of your potential places? If our house is the ultimate picture of homestead happiness that we hope to see ourselves in, then the neighborhood is the frame in which that picture is encased. We have gathered a few points of perfection for your new neighborhood. Continue reading →

Open any home decorating magazine or website, and you’ll find an abundance of farmhouse inspired rooms and furnishings. Both natural and practical, this charming design style adds a comfortable, rustic appeal while still remaining contemporary. With just six creative touches, get ready to show off farmhouse flair in the dining room! Continue reading →

We can tend to take the luxury of indoor plumbing for granted, until disaster strikes and you have to call a plumber for an urgent and costly fix. However, you can stave off some serious plumbing problems, and save yourself unnecessary headache and expenses by following these tips inside and outside of your home. Continue reading →

One of the most important aspects of applying for a
mortgage is credit, for both the borrower to assess
and the lender to evaluate. A borrower’s credit history
and score can be a pivotal factor in a lender’s
decision to approve or deny a mortgage. Knowing
how credit is determined, and how to improve it if
needed, is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome. Continue reading →

Want to sell your home quickly and for the best price? Making some small improvements can give buyers the best first impression and make a world of difference when selling your home. Continue reading →

Search the web from design blogs to interior decorating sites, and you’ll soon discover that metallics are back in a big way. While metals like gold, silver, brass, and copper have each had their moments in the sun over the decades, today’s most haute designers are all about rose gold. No longer relegated to jewelry, it’s popping up in weddings, fashion, and (finally!) in the most stylish homes. Continue reading →

Now that the stormy weather has begun to pass, we can look forward to styling our backyards with sunny fabrics, warm textures and our favorite accessories. To accomplish a modern backyard look this spring, try adding a new fence or updating your existing fencing, freshening up your outdoor furniture or adding to your landscape. Keep reading for our go-to ways to create a contemporarily styled outdoor space just in time for the sun. Continue reading →